The Lions Youth of the Year program began in Queensland in 1964 and over the years has provided opportunities for young people to develop their personalities, confidence, self-expression citizenship and leadership.
Judging is based on a young person, under the age of 19 years, with poise and personality who can take his or her place in any community and who would be a fine ambassador for young people of today, whether travelling within Australia or overseas under the auspices of the Lions Club.
Judging for the Gawler Lions Club was held in July when Gawler and Districts B-12 College student, Franke Agenbag selected to represent Gawler from four other students from Trinity College and Xavier College. The Regional Final was held in Gawler on Sunday 25 September.
Franke competed against a field of 4 other competitors from Elizabeth, Golden Grove, Glenside and Clare. The judging panel had a tough time in selecting the winners and complimented all the entrants for their efforts.
“We were extremely impressed with the calibre and quality of each applicant and have no doubt these young people will be successful in their chosen fields” said Ms Patricia Dent, lead judge. The other members of the judging panel were Mayor Karen Redman, Jackson Dare and NAB Bank representative, Charmaine Baird.
The successful candidate was Sarah Gunasekaran from Glenside and the runner up was local student Franke Agenbag. Local Member, Tony Piccolo, has been a long-time supporter of these awards.
“The Gawler Lions Club support of the Youth of the Year Awards has produce some excellent ambassadors from the region who have gone on to achieve great successes, not least the current Federal Minister for Education, the Hon Simon Birmingham back in 1991/92” said Mr Piccolo.
The District Youth of the Year final will be held on Saturday 15 October with both Sarah and Franke representing the region.